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Integrating Technology into Every Classroom in Malaysia: Challenges and Possibilities

Muhammad Adam Danial Bin Mohd Aziardi

Pismp Tesl Jun Intake 2021-2026, The International Languages Teacher Training Institute

TSLB 3283: English Language Skills 2

Dr. Joy Quah Yien Ling

9 April , 2023
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Integrating Technology into Every Classroom in Malaysia: Challenges and Possibilities

In this 21st century, we are reaching a civilization that is putting technology and media

upfront. As we are moving to the industrial revolution 4.0, teaching and learning nowadays also

involve the usage of technology, especially in the classroom. Modern days technology really

gives us a helping hand to ease the dynamic process of teaching and learning in various kinds

of educational sectors. Our minds now tend to work faster when assisted by the use of modern

technology (Raja & Nagasubramani, 2018). Without the use of technology, the achievements of

mankind nowadays can not be even accomplished. Thus, the use of technology in education

itself is growing especially in Malaysia. With the support of the government in implementing

policies to promote the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in Malaysian

classrooms, Smart whiteboards, computer vision, and AI are some technologies that can be

seen changing the learning environment according to Erica Stevens (2023). However,

integrating technology into every classroom in Malaysia is a complex task that requires

overcoming various challenges, but it also offers numerous possibilities for enhancing the

quality of education and preparing students for the digital age.

Challenges of Integrating Technology into Every Classroom in Malaysia

Lack of Infrastructure and Resources

One of the vital challenges of integrating technology into every classroom in Malaysia is

the lack of infrastructure and resources. Despite all the efforts to improve the accessibility of

technology in schools, Many schools in Malaysia are still lacking the essential hardware and

software to implement technology effectively. Malaysian teachers face difficulties in

implementing technology in the classroom due to the lack of access to equipment and

computers (Nikian et al, 2013). Without a sufficient amount of equipment for the teacher to use,

This will interrupt the implementation of technology in the school itself. Additionally, there may

be a lack of internet coverage in the school area for reliable connectivity. This can further hinder

the implementation of technology. These limitations can impact the efficiency of the education
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that students receive and put them at a disadvantage when it comes to competing in a

technology-driven job market. Although the Ministry of Education reported that all schools in

Malaysia have internet access, varying internet speeds and low-level internet access in some

areas are still a problem (Krishnamoorthy & Soh, 2021). Thus, the implementation of

technology in schools will involve many parties for improvements.

Possibilities of Integrating Technology into Every Classroom in Malaysia

Personalizes and Interactive Learning Experiences

Integrating technology into every classroom in Malaysia has the potential to provide a

personalised and interactive learning experience for students. With the use of technology,

students can gain their own knowledge by exploring themselves at their own pace, which is a

cornerstone of student-centred learning. The use of technology in the classroom can prepare

learners to be autonomous and active in their learning, and create their own knowledge based

on past experiences (Nikian et al, 2013). By incorporating digital tools in the classroom such as

Canva, Jamboard, Quiziz, Gamilab, Kahoot and many more multimedia contents, teachers can

create a more interactive and engaging learning environment for the students. For instance,

students can use educational software such as Kahoot, to alter their concepts at their own pace,

and teachers can use interactive whiteboards to facilitate discussions and provide visual aids

during the teaching and learning session. According to Valamis Hub (2020), Interactive learning

can also provide students with opportunities to collaborate and communicate with their peers,

which can improve their social skills. Additionally, technology also provides a broader access

range of learning resources that allow the student to explore the diversity in perspectives and

expand their comprehension of the world. This shows how crucial the impact of technology

implementation in the school influences the students learning.

Strategies for Addressing the Challenges and Realizing the Possibilities

Investment in infrastructure and resources

One of the most effective strategies for addressing the challenges of integrating
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technology into every classroom in Malaysia and realizing its possibilities is an investment in

infrastructure and resources. This can include providing schools with adequate hardware,

software, and reliable internet connectivity to ensure that students can access and use

technology effectively. By investing in infrastructure development, students can access the

internet and utilize digital tools for research, collaboration, and learning. According to

Macrotrends on Malaysia’s education spending, Malaysia’s education spending in 2021

declined as much as 3.27% compared to 2018. This is a bad sign for implementing technology

in schools. Without a sufficient amount of investment given towards educational sectors, the

inquiries on providing equipment and resources to the teachers are not met. Therefore, the

Malaysian government must prioritize investing in infrastructure and resources to ensure that

students have the necessary tools to excel in a technology-driven world. Such investment will

not only promote academic success but will also prepare students for future careers in

technology and contribute to the growth of Malaysia's digital economy. Thus, developing future

leaders requires a long-term investment in training, mentoring, and coaching (Verburg, 2023).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of technology into every classroom in Malaysia presents

both challenges and possibilities for the country's education system. While there is a growing

trend towards incorporating technology into teaching and learning, a lack of infrastructure and

resources remains a significant challenge that needs to be addressed. Without sufficient

investment in infrastructure and resources, students' access to technology will remain limited,

hindering their ability to compete in a technology-driven job market. However, with proper

investment, technology can provide personalised and interactive learning experiences that can

prepare students for the digital age. By leveraging digital tools such as interactive whiteboards,

educational software, and multimedia contents, students can explore and create knowledge at

their own pace while collaborating with their peers. Such an approach can promote social skills,

expand students' comprehension of the world, and prepare them for future careers in
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technology. Therefore, the Malaysian government must prioritize investing in infrastructure and

resources to enhance the quality of education and contribute to the country's digital economy.

With the right investment and strategies, the integration of technology into every classroom in

Malaysia can unlock numerous possibilities for the country's education system and the future of

its students.
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References

Stevens, E. 2023. Smart Whiteboards Transform Malaysia’s Classrooms. Insight Tech.

https://www.insight.tech/retail/malaysia-s-21st-century-smart-classroom#main-content

Nikian, S., Nor, F. M., & Aziz, M. A. (2013) Malaysian Teachers’ Perception of Applying

Technology in the Classroom. Language Academy of University Teknologi Malaysia.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.10.380

Krishnamoorthy, K., & Soh, T. M. T. (2021). Exploring the Impact of Internet Accessibility in

Implementation of Technology-based Pedagogy for Science in Malaysian Primary

Schools. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and

Development, 10(1), 339–353.

Personalized Learning. (2020, October 26). Valamis Hub.

https://www.valamis.com/hub/personalized-learning

Malaysia Education Spending 1992-2023. (2023). Macrotrends.

https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/MYS/malaysia/education-

spending#:~:text=Malaysia%20education%20spending%20for%202021,a

%200.93%25%20increase%20from%202020.

Verburg, S. (2023). The Importance of Developing Your Future Generation of Leaders. Dale

Carnegie of Orange County. https://ocdalecarnegie.com/the-importance-of-developing-

your-future-generation-of-leaders/